Premier League chief admits no timeline for Man City's 115-charge verdict as rivals grow frustrated

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has admitted he has no idea when the independent commission will deliver its verdict on Manchester City’s 115 financial rule-breaking charges, with the hearing having concluded almost 18 months ago and rival clubs reportedly growing frustrated at the prolonged wait.

“I do accept it’s taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what’s going on, but I simply can’t provide that,” Masters told the BBC. “Our rules are very clear — we have to follow the process, and there’s only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion.”

City were first charged in February 2023 with breaching financial rules across a nine-year period spanning 2009 to 2018, following the Abu Dhabi United Group takeover. The three-person independent commission began its hearings in September 2024 and sat for three months, with a verdict originally expected before the end of that season. The club have vehemently maintained their innocence throughout.

According to ESPN, sources at several Premier League clubs have expressed frustration at “the failure of the independent commission to deliver its verdict after such a lengthy process.” The outlet had reported as far back as March 2025 that some senior City staff were warned they might need to cancel holidays in anticipation of an imminent ruling — yet clarity remains elusive.

The 115 alleged breaches cover a wide range of charges. City face 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information between 2009/10 and 2017/18, as well as 14 alleged failures to accurately report player and manager payments over the same period. Five charges relate to non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations between 2013/14 and 2017/18, and a further seven concern breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules from 2015/16 to 2017/18.

The case hangs over City as they prepare to begin the 2026/27 Premier League season on Sunday against Bournemouth — a match that will also mark the official start of Enzo Maresca’s tenure as manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure this summer. However the commission rules, the decision is expected to be one of the most consequential in English football history.